I am a whitewater kayaker moving back to Maui and need to get involved in a paddling sport to get my paddling fix and have decided OC1 is the way to go for me.
Can anyone recommend a good OC1 to start with. I am 5'4" and weigh 140 lbs. I plan on paddling in the surf.
Also, where would you go to learn the paddling techniques, boat control, reading water, etc.?
Mahalo!
Submitted by mauidude on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 4:12pm
I'm kicking back and pouring a gin and tonic. My own tailgate party before the games begin.
#1 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 4:36pm
Cheers !
#2 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 4:56pm
Semi-seriously the italian boat "gecko" by allwave comes to mind :)
At this point I would try any and as many boats as you can get your hands on before you even want to entertain buying one. As for paddling in the surf like white water stuff, better bring another credit card, cash or else. The knowledge you look for comes from people you meet. Face to face works best. Join a kanu club and doors will open.
How did you decide OC-1 is the way to go for you?
and Welcome to ocpaddler!
#3 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 4:57pm
Ill bring the chips and dip.
contact the dealers and try out demos.
#4 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 5:02pm
Happy Hour !
#5 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 5:04pm
try them all. See Jibofo or call Kai for a Pegasus demo-for your height and weight and surfability- a pretty good OC1. If you are real serious, Kai will give you some pointers. There was a thread here on OCPAddler about surfing that was really good. Read that several times. Get out on the water a lot- you'll love it. Its different than whitewater but the same rush out in the big ocean and probably a lot safer.
Those whitewater dudes are crazy! You gotta give them credit- that is a very tough and dangerous sport!
#6 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 6:49pm
In the shorebreak surf, one could get speared by a sharp broken pointed iako. So avoid the oc-1, stick with your double bladed paddle, and get yourself a waveski, which is designed for the surf. A Hunt Johnson Wave Witch would be an excellent choice and you could probably use your white water paddles too?
#7 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 6:54pm
Beat me to it paddlefast ...
Maui, surf, 140# = Pegasus yeah ?
2nd WW .. That stuff never stops !
manuia .... is right Hiro ?
Going to store now.
aloha,
pog
#8 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 6:55pm
Koa,
Just got an email from Hunt / Judy today ... They are in Encinitas now ... Not sure when though.
aloha,
pog
#9 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 6:57pm
Always plenty used Hurricanes or Pegasus on Maui. People are always getting new ones. I'm 143 and the Pegasus is great on downwind runs for me.
As far as breaking surf, like Painteur said, expensive learning curve.
#10 Mon, 05/18/2009 - 7:39pm
mauidude,
It's apparent you have an interest, and hitting on a site that should be able to give you some directions was the plan--BUT, you may want to join a paddling club and get involved. Involved means paddling anything and everything to find what works for you. Since you already have water experience, the rest will come with time. Spending a ton of time on the water with friends will enhance the sport greatly. Whether you purchase an OC, sufski, or paddle board will allow you to meet your needs. It takes time on the water in all conditions to accomplish your goals. When you become part of a club, you'll be able to try different canoes, if that's you wish, before making a purchase.
#11 Tue, 05/19/2009 - 3:03am
Someone is selling an Arrow in the classifieds for 1k. This would be a good, inexpensive entry level boat, and it's probably still solid being a handmade Karel product. W/ a modern seat, this boat would be fine for everything aside from high-level competition.
#12 Tue, 05/19/2009 - 5:18am
Wow! Thanks for all the great suggestions, that is awesome. Yes, I planned on joining a canoe club in order to meet other paddlers. Any recommendations on what club is best (Wailea CC or Kihei CC)?
I'll probably wind up getting different equipment, including a waveski, although I've heard from my brother there the surfers don't take too kindly to guys on waveskiis and surfing kayaks. He also recommended I get a SUP board as a lot of people are into that now.
I picked OC1 because of the fitness aspect of it and the possiblity to race competitively at some point, assuming they have an old man's division for guys like me.
I'll definitely get hold of Jibofo and Kai, Appreciate you letting me know that.
I'm really looking forward to getting back in the warm waters of Maui this summer.
Thanks again guys.
#13 Tue, 05/19/2009 - 6:47am
Dude,
When you're looking for a boat for surfing, I'm assuming you mean surfing inshore waves (ie: beach breaks, point breaks, cloud breaks, etc...) similar to the standing waves you ride on the rivers. Although OC1's can be surfed very carefully on the right inshore wave, these boats are meant to surf downwind waves in the open ocean. Pretty much all your OC1 choices are limited to high-end racing craft built for open ocean racing and will break into little bitty pieces if you take them to a surf break. Yeah I know, regardless what I say you'll still try it and probably bugger up your boat, get it repaired, and learn as I did...
Tools for inshore waves are river kayaks, SUP's, surfboards, etc...and of course the 4-man outrigger, but definitely not a $2500 1-man OC.
Anyway, so you wanna OC1 and live in one of the worlds best playgrounds. As suggested, first go meet the players and paddle with the clubs where you'll meet folks who will steer you well. As a riverboater you know about boat rocker so the OC1's you'll be drawn to have some of that for catching downwind waves. You're lighter than some of us clydestales so as suggested, a Pegasus is a good boat to start with, but there are more from other companies such as Kaimana, Outrigger Connection, and others. Check out as many as you can, look for the right price on a used boat and go from there. Be warned, OC1 is contagious.
And if you ever feel like arguing in disagreement about the best manufacturers and best hull designs, best paddles, technique, etc.., this site is full of passionate, sarcastic, shit-slingin' folks that would love another opinion to bash around; but all in good fun!!..so welcome, good luck, and come back soon! Oh, and you're never too old to race 'cause there'll always be a guy older than you who you're chasing down...
#14 Tue, 05/19/2009 - 7:27am
one of the best post I recall relating to this topic was from a guy asking about OC-1 to get for his wife or gf who paddled for WBBCC. I tried looking for link but the search page on here doesn't seem to work but if you can find that post, that was a very helpful one.
These questions get asked from time to time and there's some very useful stuff if you go through the past forum topics.
Or you could just contact the local reps directly and test their canoes and talk to them to get a personal feel for your preference.
There's also Eckhart's website he was doing for a while with info:
http://tinyurl.com/qtv2ks
Or Rambo's locker:
http://tinyurl.com/pkdymn
#15 Tue, 05/19/2009 - 10:35am
Chineboy,
Thanks.
That last paragraph pretty much sums up OCpaddler forum (posters : ) 100% IMHO .. lots of ball busters here, yet united.
aloha,
pog
#16 Tue, 05/19/2009 - 11:19pm
Chineboy: LOL! I guess this site is no different from the other special interest forums I belong to. People are passionate about their beliefs and you get a variety of opinions. Yeah, I got the message about not riding the surf breaks in the OC1. At my age I've learened to listen to good advice and not be a baka haole. I'll stick to a wave ski or surf kayak for that.
Thanks for the great advice and humor that went with it.
Kama: Thanks for the links. I'll definitely check them out.
Ono: You hit the nail on the head with guys and their sports. We'll bust each others balls but stand together for the sport. That's what makes competition so great.
#17 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 5:18am
I am really pissed off at the term "shit-slingin".
I prefer shit-talker.
And who are you calling "folks?" That is racist. You know the ancient Hawaiians.................................................
...........................................................................
.............................................................insert every
post I have ever done.................
................................................................................out.
#18 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 5:28am
Even skis aren't immune. Check out surfski.info Great story and pics just posted about some guy who just converted his ski into a 3 piece model while surfing it.
#19 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 6:28am
Well Jibofo what do you expect when the guy wears a skirt for paddling.
#20 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 6:45am
Yeah, for surfing thrills in actual breaking waves, maybe 4k carbon boats aren't the best bet. I'd love to charge wraparounds on that roto molded Japanese boat! But then again, why not just surf if it's firing?
#21 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 7:29am
What's wrong with surfing shore breaks in a Hurricane?? ....I've bought my share of Iako's off Giblin.....hahaha
http://rambos-locker.blogspot.com/2007/05/rambo-thor-get-smashed-oc1-sur...
#22 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 11:18am
I've put this up before, but still one of my favorite pics.
http://www.valhallasurfskis.com/
aloha,
pog
#23 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 12:26pm
Dang it all !!!
You people should have emailed me to let me know this thread was happening ,
Missed the whole thing .........
#24 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 12:49pm
You were so busy on you're fork lift truck you missed the thread ......hahahah
R
#25 Wed, 05/20/2009 - 1:09pm
Rambo:
Been enjoying the videos on your site. Thanks for all your hard work in posting those. Looks like if I'm going to be an OC1 paddler, I better learn how to glass my own canoe. And your safety briefing with equipment was great. Its like an umbrella, the one time you don't take is when it rains.
#26 Thu, 05/21/2009 - 3:58am
MAuidude- check out Jibofo's video "downwind run" to see if this is the type of paddling you want to get into. Form the forum section , go to "more" the "General" and go to "Downwind run" great surfing footage and soundtrack. When it is flat I'll watch that video just to get the rush! Good luck.
#27 Thu, 05/21/2009 - 7:26am
Thanks paddlefast, I'll definitely do that. Thanks.
#28 Thu, 05/21/2009 - 10:22am